The Modern Languages Department currently offers courses in French, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. Courses are designed to develop proficiency in four language skill areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Language courses include the study of the culture and civilization of countries where these languages are spoken. Successful second language learners are highly prized by employers worldwide. Such employers search for employees with high language proficiency, reasoning skills, communication and collaboration, and a sense of multicultural and international mindedness.

Second language students need to come to class with a proactive, mature attitude and a commitment to succeed to the best of their abilities. Students must be willing to commit to daily attentive listening skills and daily study habits to succeed. Furthermore, to have a well organized binder is a key asset in keeping track of lesson notes to prepare well for tests, exams, reading comprehension, and writing assignments.

All languages can be entered at the grade 9 level with no previous knowledge. Introductory Language 11 courses are available for students who are serious about acquiring basic language skills or who wish to satisfy university entrance requirements. Students who already have some language proficiency should consult their subject teacher or counselor about advanced placement or challenge opportunities.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) LANGUAGES

By the completion of a grade 10 language, all students must consult with their respective language teacher about their options for fulfilling the language requirement of the IB Diploma. All IB Language 11 and 12 courses are linear.

 

THE FRENCH PROGRAM

The French program at PMSS is a total language experience, incorporating all the elements of language study into the development of the four language skills. Students’ ability to communicate in French will be the central focus.

French 10 – MFR—10

FOUNDATION COURSE: French 9

Text: D’Accord 2

This course continues to develop students’ overall competencies in the four linguistic skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Moreover, this course will help students refine their ability to use the language in a variety of contexts. Students will be encouraged to practice their spoken French in the classroom. The course will begin with review of foundation grammar prior to learning new vocabulary and grammar concepts. Students will do a variety of activities individually and in small groups to understand and apply their new knowledge.

 

Pre -Diploma French 10 –  MFR–10IB

FOUNDATION COURSE: PMSS IB Foundations French 9

Text: D’Accord 2

This course continues to develop students’ skills in the French language in accordance with the IB curriculum. It will include the study of French grammar and thematic vocabulary as well as further explorations into the Francophone world and its cultures. Enhancing their speaking, listening, written, and reading competencies will continue as they learn new material. Students will do a variety of activities individually and in pairs as they learn and apply new concepts. Students do not have to be in the Pre-Diploma Program to take this course.

 

French 11 – MFR—11

FOUNDATION COURSE: French 10

Text: D’Accord 2

Successful completion of this senior level course provides students with second language credit for university admission. Enhanced vocabulary and grammar concepts will build on their knowledge from French 10 and will relate to all four areas of language acquisition: listening, speaking, reading and writing. There will be continued growth in cultural awareness using a variety of resources, such as readings, videos and discussions. Students will do a variety of activities individually and in pairs as they learn and apply their new knowledge.

 

IB French (SL) 11  – IFRS-11

FOUNDATION COURSE: PMSS IB Foundations French 10

Text: IB French B by Christine Trumper and John Israel (Oxford)

Hodder Education French B Grammar and Skills workbook Second Edition

This course will centre upon the five themes of Identities, Experiences, Human Ingenuity, Social Organization, and Sharing the Planet. Students will be devoting more time to reading comprehension and expanding and improving their writing skills. Acquisition of grammar skills will continue. Strong oral and written skills will be required to prepare well for the IB oral and written exams. Students are expected to enhance their comprehension skills by accessing print material and media resources for extra practice beyond class time.

 

French 12 – MFR- -12

FOUNDATION COURSE: French 11

Text: Bon Voyage 3

This course will provide enhanced development of thematic vocabulary and grammar concepts as they relate to the four areas of language acquisition: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will continue to build on the skills they learned in French 11, while focusing on integrating new material, studying culturally relevant texts and developing a greater confidence to communicate in French. Students will do a variety of activities individually and in pairs as they learn and apply their new knowledge.

 

IB French (SL) 12 – IFRS-2A

FOUNDATION COURSE: IB French 11

Text: IB French B by Christine Trumper and John Israel (Oxford)

Hodder Education French B Grammar and Skills workbook Second Edition

This is a required course for IB students taking French and students are expected to complete the oral and written IB examinations. This course will cover the study of the five themes Identities, Experiences, Human Ingenuity, Social Organization, and Sharing the Planet. The course will be supplemented with similar thematic readings and com- prehensive exercises. In addition to acquiring French language skills in greater depth, this course requires strong oral skills. Enhanced writing skills will continue to be practiced and assessed. Independent exploration of texts via print and audio/visual media beyond class time are highly recommended for extra practice.

 

THE JAPANESE PROGRAM

Japanese 10 – MJA–10

FOUNDATION COURSE: Japanese 9

Text: Adventures in Japanese 1/2

This course is for students who have a basic understanding of Japanese language and culture. As well, students must have mastered the hiragana syllabary. Students will be introduced to katakana, another Japanese syllabary. As well, there will be further study of the kanji syllabary. Emphasis will be on broadening understanding of communication skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. Daily review outside of class and preparedness to learn are expected. Successful completion of this course will prepare the student for Japanese 11 and 11IB.

 

Japanese Introductory 11 – MBJA-11

Text- Adventures in Japanese 1 and 2

This course is designed for senior level students with no background experience in Japanese. It is a fast-paced demanding course which incorporates the learning outcomes of both Japanese 9 and 10 in a single semester. Students should be prepared to build on skills taught in class outside of class time. Success in this course will prepare students for Japanese 11/11IB.

 

Japanese 11 –  MJA–11
IB Japanese (SL) 11 –  IJBS-11

FOUNDATION COURSE: Japanese 10 or Introductory Japanese 11

Text: Adventures in Japanese 2/3

There will be a continued focus on oral and linguistic abilities. Students will broaden their kanji knowledge as they acquire and develop linguistic abilities. Students in the IB program will be focusing on identity, human ingenuity and sharing the planet. Strong ability in oral and written skills are necessary for a successful completion in the IB component. Consistent outside-class review is expected for a successful semester. This is a linear class.

 

Japanese 12 – MJA–12
IB Japanese (SL) 12 – IJBS-12

This course builds upon previous semesters of Japanese study. Emphasis will be on communication and written accuracy, and a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and language skills. This course will provide students the opportunity to challenge themselves. In-class target language use is expected. This course will prepare students for the IB exam pre-requisites, oral, listening and written. It is recommended that students be prepared to further their learning outside of class through reading, watching and listening to Japanese materials. Focus in the IB portions will focus on identity, sharing the planet and experiences. This is a linear class.

 

THE MANDARIN CHINESE PROGRAM

Mandarin Chinese 10 – MMAN-10

FOUNDATION COURSE: Mandarin Chinese 9 or equivalent Text: Chinese Made Easy 2

Students who have some knowledge of Chinese characters (simplified) and Hanyu Pinyin will feel comfortable at this level. Topics covered include: colours, clothing, weather, vacation, hobbies, and school. Emphasis is placed on character writing and oral conversation. Students are expected to learn 300 characters by the end of the course.

 

Mandarin Chinese 11 – MMAN-11
IB Mandarin Chinese (SL) 11 – IMNS-11

FOUNDATION COURSE: Mandarin Chinese 10

Text: Chinese Made Easy 3

This demanding course prepares students for the rigors of IB Mandarin12/ Mandarin 12. Equal emphasis will be placed on the students’ abilities to

read and write as well as to converse. Topics covered include: body and health, ordering food, shopping for items, and family dwelling. Students with background knowledge of Chinese are encouraged to see their teacher or counsellor for recommendation regarding challenging the course or placement at the appropriate level. IB students will be provided with appropriate materials looking at the 5 IB Prescribed Themes to prepare them for IB exams. It is recommended that students further their learning outside of class through reading, watching and listening to Chinese materials.

 

Mandarin Chinese 12 – MMAN-12
IB Mandarin Chinese (SL) 12 – IMNS-12

FOUNDATION COURSE: Mandarin Chinese 11 or equivalent

Text: Zhong Guo Tong 4, Chinese Made Easy 4/5

IB Mandarin 12/ Mandarin 12 is the most advanced level of Mandarin offered at the high school level. This course builds upon previous years of Chinese study with emphasis on communication and written accuracy. Quizzes and tests are held weekly along with writing assignments in an effort to improve writing proficiency. IB students will be provided with appropriate materials looking at the 5 IB Prescribed Themes to prepare them for IB exams. It is recommended that students further their learning outside of class through reading, watching, and listening to Chinese materials.

 

THE SPANISH PROGRAM

The Spanish Language Program at PMSS will continue to help students develop their confidence and proficiency with the Spanish language and further their understanding of the cultures of the Spanish- speaking world. Students will continue to develop proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The program is taught using a combination of grammar-based instruction together with TPRS (Teaching Proficiency Through Reading and Storytelling) and CI (Comprehensible Input). These methods use a high amount of repetition and comprehensible input crucial for language acquisition. Students will be expected to develop strong whole-body listening skills. Students will also read comprehensible novels to help them acquire the language. A variety of authentic resources, including songs and music, and will be used throughout. Students will be expected to do review and home reading daily.

 

Spanish 10 – MSP–10

FOUNDATION COURSE: Spanish 9

Text: En Español 1

Spanish 10 continues to develop students’ proficiency in listening, reading, writing and speaking at an intermediate-mid level. Students will continue to acquire the language through active listening and reading comprehensible novels and will be able to communicate about every day topics such as ordering food and asking for directions. Students will acquire the language and learn about the customs, traditions, and values of the Spanish-speaking world through music and authentic resources and media. Students will be expected to do review and home reading daily.

 

Introductory Spanish 11 – MBSP-11

Text: En Espanol 1B

This intensive, fast-paced course incorporates both Spanish 9 and 10 into one semester. The goal of this course is to help students attain a strong beginner-high level of proficiency through the language development skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking. A high level of student self-motivation and discipline is required to meet the demands of this fast-paced course. Students will be expected to do consistent daily review to keep up with the demands of the coursework. Intro Spanish 11 students who seek to continue on to Spanish 11 or IB Spanish 11 the following year will be expected to do weekly readings to prepare them to meet the demands of Spanish 11/IB Spanish 11.

 

Spanish 11 – MSP-11

FOUNDATION COURSE: Spanish 10 or Introductory Spanish 11

Text: En Español 2

Students will continue to develop their proficiency in listening, reading, writing and speaking at an intermediate-high level. Students will be able to communicate using a wider range of tenses through text types and interactive and presentational oral scenarios. Students will learn about a wider and more sophisticated range of topics, such as travel and lei- sure, art, Hispanic Heritage Month, and el Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Students will be expected to do review and home reading daily.

 

IB Spanish (SL) 11 – ISPS-11

FOUNDATION COURSE: Spanish 10 or Introductory Spanish 11

Text: En Español 2

Students will continue to develop their proficiency in listening, reading, writing and speaking at an intermediate-high level. Students will be able to communicate using a wider range of tenses through text types and interactive and presentational oral scenarios. Students will learn about a wider and more sophisticated range of topics, such as travel and leisure, art, Hispanic Heritage Month, and el Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Students will be expected to do review and home reading daily. IB students will be provided with appropriate materials looking at the 5 IB Prescribed Themes to prepare them for IB exams.

 

Spanish 12 – MSP–12

FOUNDATION COURSE: Spanish 11

Text: En Español 2

Students will develop their proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking at an advanced-low level. Students will be able to communicate using various time frames, including the subjunctive. Students will continue to learn about and state opinions about a wider and more sophisticated range of topics, such as health and well-being and the environment. Students will be expected to do review and home reading daily.

 

IB Spanish (SL) 12 – ISPS-12

FOUNDATION COURSE: Spanish 11

Text: En Español 2

Students will develop their proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking at an advanced-low level. Students will be able to communicate using various time frames, including the subjunctive. Students will continue to learn about and state opinions about a wider and more sophisticated range of topics, such as health and well-being and the environment. Students will be expected to do review and home reading daily. IB students will be provided with appropriate materials looking at the 5 IB Prescribed Themes to prepare them for IB exam